Visionary Scientist Stephen J. Elledge Joins MPM Capital’s Medical And Scientific Advisory Board

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MPM Capital today announced the appointment of Stephen (Steve) J. Elledge, PhD, to its Medical and Scientific Advisory Board (MSAB). Consisting of leaders in science and medicine, MPM’s MSAB provides expert guidance and is an important component of the venture firm’s company-building strategy.

“We are honored to have Steve as a member of our MSAB. He is an outstanding scientist with an incredible vision for the future of biology and medicine”

Dr. Elledge is widely cited for his many seminal contributions and in particular for his work on the mechanics of both cellular proliferation and senescence. He was awarded the Albert Lasker Prize in Basic Medicine in 2015 for his body of work elucidating how cells sense DNA damage and initiate self-repair. His pioneering research in that field has had a significant impact on understanding human birth defects and aging as well as the genomics of cancer and shows great promise for finding cures.

“We are honored to have Steve as a member of our MSAB. He is an outstanding scientist with an incredible vision for the future of biology and medicine,” said MPM Co-founder and Managing Director Ansbert Gadicke. “We look forward to partnering with Steve to incorporate his medical and scientific acumen to inform and support MPM’s investments in groundbreaking therapies that not only improve human health but save lives.”

Dr. Elledge is also a leader in promoting new genetic technologies and designing methodologies to help researchers better analyze the development of various disorders including cancer, autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

“Steve is a proven innovator across the spectrum – from basic to translational biology – and his creativity and deep biological insights will help us to continue to successfully translate today’s breakthrough research into cures tomorrow,” added Luke Evnin, MPM Co-founder and Managing Director.

Dr. Elledge serves as the Gregor Mendel Professor of Genetics and Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. He is the recipient of numerous other awards including the 2017 Breakthrough Prize for Life Sciences for paradigm-shifting research and the 2015 Wiley Prize. He has also been a Helen Hay Whitney Fellow, an American Cancer Society Senior Fellow and a Pew Scholar.

Dr. Elledge received his PhD in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his BS from the University of Illinois. He completed his post-doctoral studies in the Department of Biochemistry at Stanford University and then joined the faculty of the Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Biochemistry in 1989 prior to joining Harvard Medical School in 2003.

About MPM Capital — MPM Capital is an early-stage life sciences venture firm founding and investing in companies that seek to cure major diseases by translating scientific innovations into positive clinical outcomes. MPM’s portfolio of companies aims to revolutionize the face of medicine across multiple areas including cancer, neuroscience, metabolic disorders, and regenerative medicine. With its experienced and dedicated team of operating executives and medical and scientific advisory board, MPM is powering novel medical breakthroughs that transform patients’ lives. MPM is currently investing from two funds - the BV2014 and UBS Oncology Impact Fund. Dr. Elledge will serve as an advisor to both funds. For further information, please visit www.mpmcapital.com.